Station launches in memory of Smiley Culture

A new community radio station will launch at the exclusive Roxbury nightclub on Croydon High Street tomorrow [12 May].

Organisers are bringing together music and social action as Sounds of Urban London Radio (SOUL Radio) will hold its launch party as a fundraiser for the Campaign 4 Justice, a campaign seeking justice for those who have died in police custody.

The event will feature well known UK talent such as reggae outfits Saxon and Coxsone, former BBC Radio 1 disc jockey Chris Goldfinger, producer Commander B, R&B band Loose Ends, UK Garage legend Sticky and reggae singer Maxi Priest. It will celebrate the lives of Smiley Culture, Mark Duggan, Sean Rigg and others who have lost their lives in controversial circumstances.

The driving force behind SOUL Radio is Merlin Emmanuel, nephew of David Emmanuel, the latter being known to most Britons as the reggae singer Smiley Culture. The performer, who had hits in the 1980’s with the songs ‘Cockney Translation’ and ‘Police Officer’ died during a police raid at his home in Surrey last year. Emmanuel had been charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and was due in court shortly after his death.

About the author

Tippa Naphtali is the founder of 4WardEver UK and the cousin of custody death victim, Mikey Powell, from Birmingham.
He also assists with researching information and submitting them for inclusion on the website and other on-line resources developed by 4WardEver and its associate organisations.
4WardEver UK was officially launched in 2006.